The Jennifer Kent-directed movie bags at least four nods in top categories including Best Movie at the annual Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.
- December 5, 2019
AceShowbiz - "The Babadook" director Jennifer Kent's new movie "The Nightingale" triumphed in the film categories at Australia's AACTA Awards on Wednesday, December 4.
The period drama about a female convict's quest for vengeance in a penal colony in Australia, won best film, best direction, best actress, for its star Aisling Franciosi, and best screenplay.
"Once Upon a time in Hollywood" star Damon Herriman, who also appeared in "The Nightingale", won best actor - but triumphed for his performance as an alcoholic puppeteer in "Judy and Punch". Herriman had set a record for acting nominations, bagging four in total in the TV and film categories.
"The Nightingale" star Magnolia Maymuru was also named best supporting actress category for her performance as a kidnapped aboriginal woman, and Joel Edgerton won the best supporting actor prize for his role as Falstaff in "The King".
Director Bong Joon-ho's Oscar contender "Parasite" continued its early awards season momentum, winning best Asian film.
Religious drama Lambs of God was the big winner in the TV section, bagging eight awards, including for best miniseries.
New Zealand actor Sam Neill was also honoured at the event with the Longford Lyell achievement award and appeared visibly emotional after film legends Meryl Streep, Jane Campion, Nicole Kidman, and Liam Neeson offered filmed tributes.
"The lifetime thing sounds a little terminal and I hope they don't mean it's the end because I'm not done, I would still like to put a few more runs on the board," Neill said upon accepting the accolade.
